In an unexpected yet thrilling development for the Texas Longhorns football program, head coach Steve Sarkisian has agreed to a groundbreaking seven-year contract extension, effectively locking down his future in Austin for the long haul. This deal comes amidst intense speculation about Sarkisian potentially making the jump to the NFL, where several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, had shown considerable interest. However, in a bold move that reassures Longhorns fans, Sarkisian has opted to stay, signaling his commitment to building on Texas’ rising success.
Sarkisian’s decision to remain with Texas comes after a remarkable period of success. The Longhorns enjoyed a resurgence under his leadership, culminating in back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals, an achievement not seen at the school for over 17 years. His coaching prowess was on full display as Texas not only competed at the highest level but also returned to relevance in college football’s elite ranks.
Despite this success, the 2024 season did not end with a national championship, a goal that continues to elude Sarkisian and the Longhorns. However, that hasn’t stopped the program’s upward trajectory. The Longhorns have made immense progress under Sarkisian’s tutelage, showcasing an offense that is one of the most potent in college football. Quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers and highly-touted freshmen have flourished in Sarkisian’s system, further cementing the coach’s reputation as one of the sharpest offensive minds in the game. The success on the field has also translated into strong recruiting classes, with Sarkisian’s leadership attracting some of the nation’s top talents to Texas.
The decision to extend Sarkisian’s contract was finalized after multiple NFL teams, including the Cowboys, showed interest in potentially luring him away from college football. Sarkisian, who has previously held roles in the NFL as a quarterbacks coach with the Oakland Raiders and offensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons, was a hot commodity this offseason. His name had been floated in the media as a possible successor to Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, particularly as McCarthy’s future came into question. Speculation also linked Sarkisian with other NFL franchises, given his success in coaching both at the college and professional levels.
However, despite these overtures, Sarkisian made it clear he was focused on continuing his work with the Longhorns. According to reports from multiple sources, including ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Sarkisian turned down interviews with NFL teams, signaling his commitment to Texas.
This speaks volumes about his dedication to the program and his belief in what he’s building at Texas. The extension was spearheaded by Longhorns athletic director Chris Del Conte and Board of Regents chairman Kevin Eltife, who played crucial roles in securing the deal.
Sarkisian’s new contract, reportedly worth $10.6 million per year, makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, placing him in the upper echelons alongside the likes of Nick Saban and Kirby Smart. The deal adds a year to his previous contract, now ensuring that Sarkisian will remain with Texas through at least 2032. The raise also reflects the value the Texas administration places on Sarkisian’s leadership and the remarkable progress he’s made in rebuilding the program.
The decision to keep Sarkisian comes at a critical juncture for Texas as they prepare for their move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024. With the added challenges of competing against some of the nation’s best teams, Texas will need Sarkisian’s leadership more than ever. His success in the Big 12 has positioned the Longhorns as a force to be reckoned with, and the extension guarantees stability at the top for years to come.
Sarkisian’s ability to manage a highly competitive program while staying grounded in the long-term vision for Texas has made him a standout figure in college football. While his tenure at Texas has yet to yield a national title, the foundation for future success is undeniable. His commitment to staying with the Longhorns is a testament to his belief in the program’s potential and his own abilities as a head coach.
For Texas fans, this announcement is a reason to celebrate. After years of underperformance and coaching turnover, the Longhorns now have a coach who is not only talented but deeply invested in their success. As Sarkisian looks toward the future, the goal remains clear: bring a national championship back to Austin. With this new contract, it’s evident that he’s more determined than ever to lead Texas to the pinnacle of college football.